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This guide walks you through everything from installation to your first secure VPN connection.

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Before you begin

You’ll need:
  • A device running Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS
  • Administrator/installation privileges (for desktop platforms)
  • A Mullvad account (we’ll show you how to create one)
Mullvad doesn’t require email addresses or personal information. You’ll receive an account number instead.

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Step 1: Install Mullvad VPN

Choose your platform and follow the installation instructions:
  1. Download the Windows installer from mullvad.net/download
  2. Run the .exe file and click through the installer
  3. The app will launch automatically when installation completes
  1. Download the macOS installer from mullvad.net/download
  2. Open the .pkg file and follow the installation steps
  3. Enter your administrator password when prompted
  4. Grant system extension and VPN permissions in System Preferences
  5. Launch Mullvad VPN from Applications
Debian/Ubuntu:
sudo apt install ./MullvadVPN-*.deb
Fedora/RHEL:
sudo dnf install ./MullvadVPN-*.rpm
The daemon service starts automatically. Launch the GUI from your applications menu or run mullvad-gui in your terminal.
  1. Open the Google Play Store or F-Droid
  2. Search for “Mullvad VPN”
  3. Tap “Install”
  4. Launch the app from your home screen
  1. Open the App Store
  2. Search for “Mullvad VPN”
  3. Tap “Get” and authenticate
  4. Launch the app from your home screen
For detailed installation instructions, see the Installation guide.

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Step 2: Create or log in to your account

When you first launch Mullvad VPN, you’ll see the login screen.

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Creating a new account

1

Generate account number

Click “Create account” or “Generate account number”. The app will instantly create a new account number for you.
Write down your account number and store it securely. This is your only credential - there’s no password reset or account recovery.
2

Add time to your account

New accounts start with no time. You’ll need to add credit to your account:
  • Click “Buy more credit” in the app
  • Visit mullvad.net/account in your browser
  • Use the account number you just created
  • Add time using cryptocurrency, credit card, or other payment methods
3

Verify your account

Once you’ve added time, the app will detect it automatically. You’re now ready to connect!

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Logging in to an existing account

If you already have a Mullvad account:
1

Enter your account number

Type or paste your 16-digit account number (format: 1234 5678 9012 3456).
2

Log in

Click “Login”. The app will verify your account and display your remaining time.

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Step 3: Connect to the VPN

Once you’re logged in, connecting is simple:
1

Click the connect button

In the main app window, click the large “Connect” or “Secure my connection” button.The app will automatically:
  • Select an optimal server based on your location
  • Establish a secure WireGuard tunnel
  • Configure your system’s firewall rules
  • Set up secure DNS
2

Wait for connection

You’ll see the status change from “Connecting” to “Connected”. This usually takes 2-5 seconds.The app shows:
  • Connected: You’re protected and your traffic is encrypted
  • Your current location: The VPN server location you’re connected to
  • In/Out traffic: Real-time bandwidth usage
3

Verify your connection

Visit mullvad.net/check to verify:
  • You’re connected to Mullvad
  • Your IP address is hidden
  • DNS queries are secure
On Android and iOS, you’ll be prompted to grant VPN permissions the first time you connect. Tap “OK” or “Allow” to proceed.

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Step 4: Choose your server location (optional)

By default, Mullvad automatically selects the best server. To choose a specific location:
1

Open server selection

Click “Select location” or the current location name in the app.
2

Choose a country, city, or specific server

  • Browse the list of available locations
  • Click on a country to see cities
  • Click on a city to see individual servers
  • Select your preferred location
3

Connect to the new location

The app will automatically reconnect to your chosen server. Your connection remains secure during the switch.

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Understanding connection states

The Mullvad VPN app has several connection states:
StateDescriptionYour traffic
DisconnectedNot connected to VPNNot protected (unless Lockdown mode is enabled)
ConnectingEstablishing tunnelProtected - all traffic is blocked until tunnel is ready
ConnectedTunnel is activeProtected - all traffic goes through encrypted tunnel
DisconnectingClosing tunnelProtected - traffic remains blocked
ErrorConnection failedProtected - all traffic is blocked
Mullvad VPN includes an always-on kill switch. If the tunnel fails, your traffic is blocked rather than sent unencrypted. This “fail closed” approach ensures no data leaks.

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Basic settings

Here are some important settings to configure:

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Enable auto-connect

1

Open settings

Click the gear/settings icon in the app.
2

Enable auto-connect

Toggle “Auto-connect” to automatically connect when the app starts.
3

Enable launch on start-up (optional)

Toggle “Launch app on start-up” to start Mullvad VPN when your device boots.When both options are enabled, you’ll be protected automatically when your computer starts.

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Configure local network access

By default, Mullvad blocks access to devices on your local network (printers, file shares, etc.). To enable local network access:
1

Open settings

Go to Settings in the app.
2

Enable local network sharing

Toggle “Local network sharing” or “Allow LAN”.This allows traffic to private IP ranges like 192.168.x.x and 10.x.x.x.
On iOS, the local network is always accessible due to platform limitations.

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Enable lockdown mode

Lockdown mode blocks all internet traffic when you’re not connected to the VPN.
To enable lockdown mode:
  1. Go to Settings
  2. Toggle “Lockdown mode” or “Block when disconnected”
  3. Even when disconnected, all traffic will be blocked until you reconnect
This is useful if you want to ensure you can never access the internet without VPN protection.

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Using the command-line interface (Desktop only)

On desktop platforms, you can also control Mullvad VPN using the CLI:

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Check status

mullvad status

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Connect to the VPN

mullvad connect

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Disconnect from the VPN

mullvad disconnect

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Set a specific location

# Connect to a country
mullvad relay set location se  # Sweden

# Connect to a city
mullvad relay set location us nyc  # New York City, USA

# Connect to a specific server
mullvad relay set location se got se-got-wg-001

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Enable auto-connect

mullvad auto-connect set on

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View all available commands

mullvad --help

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Troubleshooting

  1. Check that you have time remaining on your account
  2. Verify your internet connection is working
  3. Try a different server location
  4. On desktop, restart the mullvad-daemon service:
    • Windows: sc.exe stop mullvadvpn && sc.exe start mullvadvpn
    • macOS/Linux: sudo systemctl restart mullvad-daemon
  1. Try connecting to a server closer to your physical location
  2. Disable WireGuard multihop if enabled
  3. Check if DAITA is enabled - it adds privacy but may reduce speed
  4. Try switching between UDP and TCP protocols
Make sure “Local network sharing” or “Allow LAN” is enabled in Settings.
Install the AppIndicator extension for GNOME:
sudo apt install libappindicator3-1
Or install via GNOME Extensions.
  1. Go to your device Settings
  2. Navigate to VPN settings
  3. Ensure Mullvad VPN has permission to create VPN connections
  4. On Android, enable “Block connections without VPN” for additional security

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Next steps

Now that you’re connected, explore advanced features:

Security features

Learn about quantum-resistant tunnels, DAITA, and kill switch

Advanced settings

Configure multihop, custom DNS, and split tunneling

API reference

Integrate with the management interface

Troubleshooting

Solve common issues and optimize performance

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Getting help

If you need assistance:

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